Syracuse.com - Figura working how SAFE Act affects hunters, remote-controlled sailboats and giving thanks

[HuntingNY-News]

Get your nominations in ASAP for this year's "Heroes of Conservation" story.

We're approaching the end of the first week of the regular deer hunting season in the Southern Zone. I've seen a lot of good pictures and heard some great stories from the woods.

Keep them coming.

Meanwhile, I've been trying to get some answers as to how the SAFE Act is being enforced (or not) during the current hunting season. I've been to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the State Police and now I've back to the DEC trying to get answers. I've already filed one story and am working on another. Stay tuned.

I'm also working on:

- A story concerning an interesting group of guys who race remote controlled sailboats (they're about 3 feet long. four feet high). They have an annual regatta in the Inner Harbor on Thanksgiving morning (rain/snow or shine). In fact, I'm going out this afternoon with a few of the group's members to see how it's done.

- A photo slideshow/video recapping the past bow hunting season for deer in Central New York.

- Giving thanks. I've done it, I've heard hunters I know talk about it.. now I'd like specifics. Many hunters after shooting a deer give thanks or say a prayer. What do you do? Send your comments to [email protected]. I'd like to run a story on this for Thanksgiving Day. The deadline is noon Tuesday.

- Researchers from several different agencies checking on the spawning areas of native ciscoes (a baitfish) on Lake Ontario.

- How the walleye shoreline fishing on Oneida Lake continues to be good.

- The 7th annual Coyote Hunting contest in Sullivan County

- Rifle country.. seems like Onondaga County is pretty much an island in a sea of counties that allow rifle hunting for deer..and that an effect was made this past year to have Onondaga County join the group. An update on this..

- Visiting the Cornell Vet School Emergency Room, where all sorts of exotic and interesting animals are seen and given medical treatment.

- A profile on Fran Verdoliva.. the DEC's Salmon River guy.

Finally.. I'm continuing to solicit nominations for the annual "Heroes of Conservation" feature I write every year. Get those nominations in soon!

ANYTHING ELSE READERS OF THIS REPORT WOULD LIKE TO SEE ME WRITE ABOUT?

The effectiveness of this report is two-fold. First, it lets readers know what's coming up story-wise. It also allows readers a chance to affect coverage and provide sources for upcoming stories. Bottom line: Keep in touch and give input. You could make a difference as to what appears week to week on the outdoors page! Email me at [email protected] or call 470-6066.

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